Please join me in signing on as an original co-sponsor to a bipartisan resolution to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Polish independence, in recognition of the democratic values the United States and Poland have shared since the 1700s.

As early as 1791, Poland adopted the first constitution in Europe based on America’s democratic principle of liberty, which paved the way for future democratic reforms and equal rights for all. After falling victim to the third partition in 1795, between the
Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Hapsburg Monarchy, the people of Poland lost their sovereignty for 123 years. The Poles’ steadfast fight to regain independence was critical for the sovereign recognition at the end of the First World War.

This Resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of Polish independence as an opportunity to remember the historic events and courageous individuals that brought reconstitution of Poland’s sovereignty. It calls on the people of the United States and interested
groups to honor the resolve and sacrifice of the people of Poland. It also reaffirms the close bonds between the two nations, based on freedom, rule of law, liberty, and a shared commitment to democracy.

Whereas a shared commitment to democratic principles, freedom, rule of law, human rights form the foundation of the close U.S.-Polish relationship, as well as the deep resolve to the North Atlantic military alliance and the transatlantic relationship to
ensure security in Europe and globally.

Whereas the U.S.-Polish friendship precedes the birth of the United States, where Polish generals Taddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski bravely fought for independence and freedom for both the United States and Poland;

Whereas the democratic values of the United States and Poland go back to the 1700s;

Whereas, on May 3, 1791, Poland adopted the first constitution in Europe based on the ideas of liberty and constitutional monarchy, which paved the way for future democratic reforms and equal rights for all;

Whereas, in October 1795, Poland was invaded and succumbed to the third partition between the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg Monarchy, and as a result lost its sovereignty for the next 123 years;

Whereas Poles’ perseverant fight to regain independence culminated in the November Uprising of 1830 and the January Uprising of 1863, in which hundreds of Poles sacrificed their lives to help rebuild Poland’s sovereignty;

Whereas Poland’s national identity was preserved through fostered education and economic empowerment of the masses, coined in the “organic work” ideology, that recognized modernization of the Polish society as a prerequisite for preservation of Polish nationhood;

Whereas President Woodrow Wilson’s and Igancy Paderewski’s advocacy for the cause of Poland’s independence were critical for the recognition of Polish sovereignty after the end of the First World War; and

Whereas, on November 11, 1918, the Regency Council of Poland named Jozef Pilsudski the Commander in Chief of Poland and entrusted him to build a government for the newly reconstituted Poland, marking the formation of the Second Republic of Poland

Whereas heroic Polish resistance fighters and soldiers fought in World War II against tyranny on all fronts and at home only to find that liberation from the Nazis became domination by the Soviet Union

Whereas Poland’s solidarity movement headed by Lech Walesa led to the ultimate defeat of communism and the fall of the Soviet Empire, and paved the way for the blessings of liberty for millions of Europeans.

Whereas Poland joined the community of democracies and availed itself of democratic principles by acceding to the NATO alliance in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Whereas up to 10 million Polish-Americans continue to make remarkable and valued contributions to the nation, including serving in political leadership, fighting for liberty in the armed forces, building America’s future in factories, and leading in creative
and economic innovation: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) commemorates the 100th anniversary of Polish independence and values the opportunity to remember the historic events and brave individuals that brought about reconstitution of Poland’s sovereignty;

(2) honors the courage and sacrifice of the people of Poland, who did not lose their determination to advance the cause of Polish independence during 123 years of partitions; and

(3) reaffirms the close bonds between Poland and the United States based on the love of freedom, thirst for liberty, and shared commitment to rule of law, as well as a strong military cooperation to create a more secure and democratic world.